For over two weeks now there have been major delays in grain exports from ports on the Parana River, due to a strike by Agricultural Producers’ Associations.

The strike, which has been in force since 13 March 2008, has resulted in the blocking of roads leading to ports and depots. We understand truckers, in support of farmers, are not willing to transport grains to the processing and crushing plants. Grain terminals are able to operate normally but are not receiving cargoes shore-side for export.

The coast guard traffic control office is requesting that every ship arriving at the Recalada Sea Pilot Station reports the type of cargo she is intending to load. Ships expecting to load grain are not allowed to enter the Punta Indio Channel unless issued with the relevant permit from the load terminal. In such cases, ships should remain in the Recalada area awaiting orders.

There are approximately fifty bulk carriers currently at anchor at the Recalada Pilot Station, thirty at the Common Zone anchorage off la Plata (Buenos Aires), and others within the Parana River system.

A resolution to the strike will depend on negotiations between the government and producers. It is not clear how this conflict will end and delays can be expected to continue.

Iron ore imports, coal imports, and tankers are currently not affected. Surveyors and other personnel travelling by road to visit ships can also expect delays of many hours as the blockades have affected local motorways as well as port access roads.